October 31, 2007
Rovers 0 Crewe 1
Doncaster Rovers went down to a narrow defeat yesterday afternoon in a training/reserve match played at the Cantley Park training ground, with Rovers giving a run-out to most of the players who have not featured regularly in the first team.
James Coppinger made a return to action after recovering from a virus that has kept him out of the last two first team games, with Bruce Dyer looking sharp in attack after returning from his loan at Rotherham last month. Also featuring was Kevin Horlock, who continues to work towards full fitness after his lengthy absence.
October 31, 2007
The Goal Machine heads the voting
Jason Price comfortably won the "Man of the Match" for Sunday's game against Leyton Orient, despite only being on the field for half of the game. Price received approaching half of all votes cast - with ten players receiving nominations, those receiving the most votes were:
1 Jason Price (45.38%)
2 Richie Wellens (20.16%)
3 Matthew Mills (12.61%)
4 Gareth Roberts (10.92%)
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to register a vote.
October 31, 2007
Grimsby ticket information
Grimsby Town will not be issuing tickets in advance for their Johnstone's Paint Trophy game against Doncaster Rovers on 13th November. All adults will pay on the turnstiles, with concessionary tickets having to be bought from the Grimsby Town ticket office on the evening of the game. With long queues likely at the ticket office, we would suggest that anyone wanting a concessionary ticket should arrive in good time. Under-16's can gain free admission if their ticket is purchased with an adult ticket from Grimsby Town on the night of the game.
As for previous Johnstone's Paint Trophy matches, prices are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.
Any wheelchair disabled supporters will need to buy their tickets through Grimsby Town's ticket office either on the night or in advance by telephoning 01472 605050.
October 31, 2007
One we missed...
One former Rovers player who scored a goal at the weekend who we missed was the legendary Mark Bradley, who scored for Linlithgow Rose in their 4-1 Scottish Cup win over Spartans - the victory giving Linlithgow passage into the third round of the competition. A crowd of 1,600 turned up to watch the clash agaisnt their local rivals, with three junior (non-league) teams making it through to the third round stage. Linlithgow have been drawn against Dalbeattie Star in the third round, with the SPL clubs entering in the next round.
Bradley played in Rovers' opening game in the Conference, away at Dover, but never played for the club again.
October 30, 2007
Swindon v Rovers ticket information
Tickets for Saturday's away game at Swindon Town are now on sale from the Keepmoat Stadium ticket office and will remain on sale unitl 3pm on Friday.
Ticket prices are: Adults £15, Senior Citizens £12, Students (with valid ID) £12, Ambulant disabled £12 (carer £12), Under-16's £7 (with proof of age). Please note that the tickets are for an uncovered terrace.
Wheelchair disabled supporters should contact the Swindon Town ticket office on 0871 223 2300, tickets are £10, with a carer free of charge.
October 30, 2007
Sullivan's finger injury
Neil Sullivan had to have treatment during Sunday's game after dislocating his little finger. However, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll confirmed that Sullivan will be fit for Saturday's game, saying: "Hurting your hand is an occupational hazard for goalkeepers. Neil dislocated his little finger. He put it back in himself, so that will be sore for a couple of days."
October 30, 2007
Wellens in "Team of the Week"
Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens has been named in the League One "Team of the Week" for his performance in Sunday's game against Leyton Orient.
The full "team of the week" is: Mark Bunn (Northampton), Chris Perry (Luton), Peter Murphy (Carlisle), Chris Doig (Northampton), Shane Sherriff (Tranmere), Richie Wellens (Doncaster), Jonathan Douglas (Leeds), Paul McLaren (Tranmere), Aaron Brown (Gillingham), Chris Dickson (Gillingham), Joe Garner (Carlisle).
October 28, 2007
Rovers 4 Leyton Orient 2
After an uneventful first half, the introduction of Jason Price at half time effectively changed the game, with Rovers' first goal going in just six minutes after the break. His physical presence in the penalty area added a different dimension to Rovers' play - Rovers scored their first after Price's shot was blocked on the line, with Richie Wellens stabbing home the rebound. Orient then scored twice, in the 56th and 68th minutes, but Rovers' equaliser came within a minute of that second goal - Jason Price firing a great shot home from inside the penalty area. Rovers' third was a James Hayter overhead kick from just a yard out, coming as Green and Price had shots blocked. The fourth goal, which effectively knocked the stuffing out of Leyton Orient, who had gone into the weekend as the league leaders, came from Richie Wellens, with a low left-footed drive from 20 yards. After this, the visitors never really looked like getting anything out of the game - Rovers are now just six points behind top spot - things are starting to get interesting!
The "Man of the match" voting is open until 5pm this afternoon. If you would like to take part, please click on the logo to the left.
October 29, 2007
Goals time
Former Rovers striker Richie Barker scored a late penalty for Hartlepool United in their home match against Brighton & Hove Albion - their first match since the death of midfielder Michael Maidens, with a minute's silence being held in his memory before the game. Pools thought they had rescued a point after trailing for most of the game - but Brighton went and scored an injury time winner.
Saturday saw FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round matches played - Robert Pell scored one of Gainsborough Trinity's goals as they won 4-0 at Bradford Park Avenue, and Neil Grayson scored in a game of two penalties as Stafford drew 1-1 at home to Cambridge United.
In the UniBond Premier Division, ex-Rover Rod Thornley scored one of Witton Albion's six goals in their 6-1 away victory at Whitby Town, and Steve Hawes scored for Worksop Town in their 4-1 home loss against Prescot Cables.
Finally, in Scotland, former Rovers favourite Colin Cramb scored Stirling Albion's first goal in their 3-0 home victory over Dunfermline Athletic, which lifts Albion off the bottom of the table - they are one of three teams on ten points.
October 28, 2007
Rovers v Leyton Orient
Doncaster Rovers will check on the fitness of James Coppinger before naming their side for this afternoon's game against Leyton Orient at the Keepmoat Stadium. Coppinger missed Tuesday's victory over Oldham Athletic after picking up a virus, but Rovers are hoping that he will have recovered in time to play today. Gareth Roberts will be fit despite being substituted suffering from double vision on Tuesday.
Paul Green put in an impressive "man of the match" midfield display on Tuesday and will be hoping for a start this afternoon. Apart from that, Graeme Lee, Kevin Horlock, Paul Heffernan and Mark McCammon are still recovering from injury and will not play.
Leyton Orient will make late decisions on Tamika Mkandawire (calf) and Adam Chambers (dead-leg), but both are expected to be passed fit. Defender Alton Thelwell is expected to be fit after having to miss out last weekend with a knee injury, but may have to settle for a place on the bench. Sean Thornton is suspended and will not face his former side, but two other former Rovers players - goalkeeper Stuart Nelson and midfielder JJ Melligan - are likely to play today.
October 28, 2007
Arrests down
Whilst the Home Office have issued statistics that there has been an increase in the number of arrests at football matches for the first time in four years, that increase has not been seen at Doncaster Rovers, with the number arrests at the Keepmoat Stadium putting Rovers in the bottom quarter of all English League clubs.
October 27, 2007
Rovers play Latics again!
Doncaster Rovers have an early rematch with Oldham Athletic following this afternoon's draw for the first round of the FA Cup. After a convincing victory over the Latics at the Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday, Rovers will fancy their chances of reaching the second round, although the FA Cup clash will be played at Oldham's Boundary Park ground.
The match will be played on the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 10th/11th November. For the full draw, please click on the logo to the left.
October 27, 2007
FA Cup draw
The draw for the first round of the FA Cup will be made following this afternoon's Fourth Qualifying Round ties, with the draw being made 'live' on BBC 1. Doncaster Rovers are ball number 16 in the draw - the first 48 numbers of the 80 in the draw are League One and Two clubs in alphabetical order. The first round will be played over the weekend of 10th November. Should Rovers be drawn at home in the first round, the match will not take place on Saturday 10th November, as there is a race meeting being held in Doncaster on that day.
October 27, 2007
"Dangerous" Dave leaves Silkmen
Former Rovers defender Dave Morley left Macclesfield Town yesterday after his contract was cancelled "by mutual consent".
Morley has started only three games this season and has struggled since being affected by injury during the latter part of last season. It has taken him a long time to regain full fitness, but both player and club have decided it is in the interests of both parties if he moved on, as he was unlikely to be in the first eleven this season.
Boss Ian Brightwell said: "We sat down after the game last week and decided that is was in the best interests of both parties if Dave was to move on. It was made it clear to him that it was extremely unlikely that he would have featured in the starting XI, and given his desire to carry on playing first team football we agreed to cancel his contract. We of course wish Dave all the very best and thank him for his services both on and off the field these past few years."
October 27, 2007
Falana in "coup signing"
Combined Counties club Cove have announced the "coup signing" of former Doncaster Rovers striker Wade Falana, along with another two "great" signings. Falana is reported to ahve originally signed at the beginning of the seaason with a view to playing later in the season.
Cove boss, Kevin Cooper, said: “Wade signed for us beginning of season but we both knew he wouldn`t be available until this time of season. We are really pleased to have Wade sign for us as he is a huge presence on the pitch, won two promotions in the last three years with Bromley and Tonbridge Angels and this experience will really help push us on this season.
Cove are currently on a ten-match unbeaten run.
October 26, 2007
Man of the Match
Paul Green was voted as the clear "Man of the Match" for his performance in Tuesday's win over Oldham Athletic, as he put in a strong claim to be included in the starting line-up for Sunday's match against Leyton Orient. Paul won almost half of all votes cast, coming well ahead of the other eight players to receive nominations.
1 Paul Green (48.21%)
2 Richie Wellens (16.07%)
3 = Lewis Guy, Brian Stock (7.14%)
Thank you to everyone who took part; all votes cast will go forward to the "Player of the Season" totals. The next vote will open following Sunday's home match against leaders Leyton Orient.
October 26, 2007
Treatment table
Gareth Roberts will be fit for Sunday's game against Leyton Orient, despite coming off in the second half complaining of double vision. Physio John Dickens expects the defender to be available for selection after checking with the player on Wednesday. Jason Price, Martin Woods and Steve Roberts all came through Tuesday's match suffering no adverse reactions as they all continued their recovery after injury absences, but striker Mark McCammon looks to be out for a while yet. His hamstring injury has puzzled the Rovers' medical staff, and unless there is an improvement in the near future, he may well be sent down to Lilleshall for some intensive treatment.
Phyisio John Dickens said: "There has been an improvement in the last week or so and Mark is now back running, but it is still a bit of a mystery why he has been out for so long. We have sent him for various scans on both the hamstring and lower back but they haven't shown up anything which would cause any problems. Mark is making progress but if we don't think he is coming on as we think he should in the next few days then we'll send him to Lilleshall for some intensive one-on-one treatment next week."
Paul Heffernan will also miss out on Sunday as he continues to receive treatment for a groin strain.
October 25, 2007
Youth cup tie faces replay
Doncaster Rovers will have to replay their Youth Alliance Cup tie against Hull City, as extra time should not have been played in the match - it should have gone straight to penalties.
Hull City scored in extra time, and thought that they had made it through to the second round. Also, Rovers had a player sent off during extra time, so presumably that will have to be deleted from the records.
No date has yet been arranged for the replayed game, with the winners being drawn away at Stockport County in the next round.
October 25, 2007
Boss tells Lewis to cool it

Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll has told striker Lewis Guy to cut out the ill-tempered side of his game, following his red card against Walsall and yellow card at Nottingham Forest. O'Driscoll is concerned that this element of Guy's character will harm the team later in the season, if further suspensions are reached.
"It is a trait of Lewis's character – he can be a bit petulant. He is getting better, but there is still a way to go. There is a law with referees that you don't kick the ball away, and I thought he refereed it pretty sensibly."

October 24, 2007
Rovers 3 Oldham Athletic 0

In the end, it was fairly easy for Rovers, who scored three second half goals go progress through to the area quarter finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the Keepmoat Stadium last night. The first half was fairly even, with the visitors having the slight edge on goalscoring chances, although most of those were from outside the penalty area, but after the break it was another story.
A great cross in from the left by Gareth Roberts was headed home by Jason Price in the 55th minute, Paul Green's left-foot shot evaded the outstretched hand of Marlon Beresford in the Oldham goal, and finally Martin Woods was nicely set up to side-foot the ball home after Lewis Guy cut the ball back from the dead-ball line.
Jason Price played about 75 minutes of last night's game, still looking as if he needed more match practice before being back to his old self. Martin Woods finally made his return after a hamstring injury, showing some useful touches in the final minutes of the match.
The "Man of the Match" voting has now closed. Thank you to everyone who has taken part - the result will be announced on Friday morning.

October 23, 2007
Close vote at Forest
The voting for the "Man of the Match" at Nottingham Forest saw eleven players receive nominations, with a much more even spread of votes than has been seen on many occasions this season. In the end, James Coppinger finished off just ahead of nearest rival Matt Mills to be your "Man of the Match". The players receiving most votes were:
1 James Coppinger (20.51%)
2 Matt Mills (17.95%)
3 Gordon Greer (15.38%)
4 Neil Sullivan (12.82%)
5 Richie Wellens (10.25%)
Thank you to everyone who took the time to take part. The next vote will open following this evening's home game against Oldham Athletic.
October 23, 2007
Rovers v Oldham
Lewis Guy and Martin Woods look likely to make a return to the starting line-up this evening as Doncaster Rovers face Oldham Athletic in the delayed Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round match. Woods has missed a number of matches with a hamstring strain, whilst Guy has been suspended for two matches following his red card against Walsall. Whilst Sean O'Driscoll may well use the match to give some of the squad players a run-out, competition rules mean that at least six of the starting line-up must be first team regulars. Paul Green may also get a start after being a regular on the bench this term, but Mark McCammon and Steve Roberts are unlikely to feature as they continue to recover from injury. Gareth Roberts will probably feature after coming on as a substitute in Saturday's draw at Nottingham Forest.
Oldham are likely to have on-loan goalkeeper Marlon Beresford between the sticks, with Mark Crossley and Les Pogliacomi still injured, but Michael Ricketts will return after serving a one match suspension on Saturday. However, fellow striker Lee Hughes remains absent with a hernia complaint.
October 22, 2007
Coach to home matches
In addition to the coaches that the Supporters Club already run to home matches, Doncaster Rovers have decided to offer coaches from various outlying areas to home games, beginning with Saturday's home game against Leyton Orient. Supporters are asked to call the club to let them know which areas the coach would need to visit - the deadline for this Saturday will be 5pm on Wednesday.
October 22, 2007
Exley in England call-up
Vicky Exley of the Doncaster Rovers Belles has been selected for the England squad which will play a Euro 2009 qualifying match against Belarus on Saturday, 27th October at Walsall's Banks's Stadium.
The full England squad also includes former Belles' player Jody Handley, who is now playing for Everton. The squad for the game, which is dominated by players from Everton, Chelsea and Arsenal, is: Rachel Brown, Rachel Unitt, Lindsay Johnson, Jill Scott, Jody Handley, Fara Williams (Everton), Siobhan Chamberlain, Casey Stoney, Eniola Aluko (Chelsea), Alex Scott, Mary Phillip, Faye White, Anita Asante, Katie Chapman, Kelly Smith, Karen Carney, Rachel Yankey, Lianne Sanderson (Arsenal), Sue Smith (Leeds United), Vicky Exley (Doncaster Rovers Belles)
October 22, 2007
Oji extends stay again
Sam Oji, who was on loan at Rovers from Birmingham City for a short period in the 2005/06 season, has had his loan at Leyton Orient extended for a third month, and will now stay at Brisbane Road until the end of November. He will also be available for FA Cup matches.
October 20, 2007
Nottingham Forest 0 Rovers 0
Rovers and Nottingham Forest fought out a goalless draw at the City Ground this afternoon, but they came close to coming away with all three points, with midfielder Mark Wilson's shot from 20 yards hitting the cross-bar just ten minutes from the end fo the game. Forest had the majority of the possession in the first half of the game, but the Rovers defence held firm on the edge of the area. Forest took until the last few mintues of the game to seriously test Neil Sullivan, when he tipped over a cross from Kris Commons.
October 21, 2007
Goals review
We begin this week's review in the Scottish Premier League, where a brace from ex-Rovers loanee Ross McCormack sank second-placed Hibernian, although they wree helpedby Hibs having Morais sent off in the first half hour of the game. The win takes Motherwell up to fifth place in the table. Norwich City's woes continued as they were beaten 3-1 at home by in-form Bristol City.
In the Scottish First Division, Richard Offiong scored Hamilton's third goal after just half an hour of play in their match at Dunfermline - they went on to a 5-0 victory to maintain a four point lead at the top of the table.
Back in England, Michael McIndoe scored Bristol City's first goal with a header just after the break as they went on to win 3-1 at relegation-threatened Norwich City.
We finish off on non-league football with action from the first round of the FA Trophy. Neil Redearn scored a late winner for Frickley Athletic as they won 3-2 at Prescot Cables, and two goals from Rod Thornley put witton Albion on the way to a comfortable 6-1 win over Ashton United.
October 21, 2007
Campbell faces operation
Former Doncaster Rovers striker Andy Campbell faces an extended time out of the game after being told that he needs surgery on an Achilles tendon injury. Campbell has already been out for nearly a month, and the latest set-back comes as a result of breaking down in training. He will now have an operation that will keep him out until the New Year. Campbell had been in good form this season, with his five goals this season being a marked contrast to his poor record in recent years.
October 21, 2007
Rovers drawn at home in Youth Cup
Doncaster Rovers have been drawn at home to Rochdale in the first round of the FA Youth Cup. The tie will be played on 7th November, with a 7pm kick-off, although Rovers have yet to confirm where the match will be played.
October 20, 2007
Forest v Rovers
Doncaster Rovers may welcome back Gareth Roberts for this afternoon's away game at Nottingham Forest after he played in a training game on Tuesday. Rovers will include striker Lewis Guy in their squad after serving a two match ban for a red card received in the home defeat against Walsall. That may be just as well, with fellow-striker Paul Heffernan being absent after aggravating a groin injury when appearing as a second half substitute against Huddersfield Town. Also missing will be Mark McCammon, Martin Woods, Graeme Lee and Steve Roberts, who are all continuing to recover from injury. Kevin Horlock succesfully made a playing comeback in Tuesday's training match against Leeds, but is not anticipated to be ready for a first team return before December.
Nottingham Forest have only one injury concern ahead of today's game, with Wes Morgan struggling to shake off a knee injury which forced him off in their game against Cheltenham Town. Fellow defenders Luke Chambers and Kelvin Wilson are expected to be fit after being treated for ankle and heel injuries respectively. Apart from Morgan, Forest are likely to be unchanged this afternoon as they look to continue their good run of form, which has seen them win five out of the last six games to rise up to third in the table. Victory this afternoon could see Forest reach the top of the table, should other results also go in their favour.
October 20, 2007
Vicky's double can't save Belles
England international Vicky Exley's two goals for Doncaster Rovers Belles wasn't enough to save her team from a 3-2 away defeat at Watford during the week. Belles' boss John Buckley said:"We passed the ball really well and played some excellent football in the first half. It led to us creating plenty of chances but we just couldn't take them."
The Rovers Belles are due to play Birmingham on Sunday at the Keepmoat Stadium, with a 2pm kick-off - all Rovers season ticket holders can get into the match for just £1 - but you will need to present your season ticket to get the discount.
October 20, 2007
Watson and Bramall join Ryan as partners
Rovers chairman John Ryan has handed Dick Watson and Terry Bramall a partnership in Doncaster Rovers. Watson and Bramall, who joined the board last October, have been made equal controlling shareholders in the club along with John Ryan, who will remain as chairman. Dick Watson has been appointed as vice-chairman. The move will give the club a sound financial basis to achieve John Ryan's dream of returning Rovers to the second tier of English football.
John Ryan said: “I am absolutely delighted to have Dick and Terry as partners in the business. I feel that massive strides forward have been made for the future of Doncaster Rovers Football Club and our push towards top-class football.”
October 20, 2007
Bayo on the way back
Yeovil Town manager has told Yeovil's local press that he expects that ex-Rovers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is about three weeks away from making a playing return after he broke a leg whilst playing for Swansea City last season. Akinfenwa has been training with Yeovil this season, although he has not signed for the club after being released by Swansea in the summer.
October 20, 2007
Apologies
We would like to apologise for there being no updates to this site since 17th October, which have been due to circumstances beyond our control (like not enough hours in the day!). Normal service will now be hopefully resumed - the next update will be this evening when the "man of the match" voting will open following this afternoon's game against Nottingham Forest.
October 17, 2007
Richie heads the voting
Midfielder Richie Wellens came home well ahead of the latest "Man of the Match" voting, when he gained nearly half of all votes cast in one of the biggest votes of the season. With ten players receiving nominations, the players receiving most votes were:
1 Richie Wellens (46.46%)
2 Brian Stock (13.39%)
3 James Coppinger (7.09%)
4 James O'Connor (6.30%)
Thank you to everyone who took part. The next poll will open following Saturday's away game at Nottingham Forest.
October 17, 2007
Practice game - Rovers 0 Leeds United 2
Doncaster Rovers played a practice game against a young Leeds United side yesterday as they gave the opportunity for some of their players to get some match practice.
The notable inclusion in the Rovers squad was that of Kevin Horlock, who made his first appearance since being injured early last season. Horlock went on to play 60 minutes of the game, which was played in three periods of thirty minutes. Also included were Jason Price, Paul Heffernan and Gareth Roberts, who were all continuing their return after absences due to injury.
Leeds scored after just two minutes when Greer deflected the ball into his own net - the second goal came eight minutes from the end.
Rovers Starting Lineup: Smith, Hird, G Roberts, Noble, McDaid, Nelthorpe, Guy, Greer, Heffernan, Price, Green.
Subs: Fairhurst for Heffernan, Dyer for Fairhurst, Horlock for McDaid, Fairhurst for Nelthorpe, Boyce for Greer, Shielis for Dyer
October 17, 2007
Thornton to miss Rovers clash
It was confirmed yesterday that former Rovers midfielder Sean Thornton will miss out on his first chance to line up in the Leyton Orient side at the Keepmoat Stadium later this month after his appeal for wrongful dismissal in their game against Leeds was rejected by the FA. The midfielder was shown a straight red card during the 1-1 draw at the weekend, with the Orient management disappointed with the failure of their appeal.
Boss Martin Ling said: "We're very disappointed that the appeal has been rejected because we felt we had a very good case. The referee's report said that Sean punched Seb Carole and we didn't think that decryption matched the incident. But we'll have to take the news on the chin, put the Leeds game to bed and now focus our minds on Port Vale this Saturday."
Thornton will serve a four-match ban as it was his second red card of the season, so he will miss the games against Port Vale, Doncaster, Oldham and Swindon.
October 16, 2007
Schofield out as Imps struggle
Lincoln City have sacked John Schofield as their manager following a disappointing start to the season. The Imps languish near the bottom of League Two with just two wins in the league this season. It marks a great contrast to last season, his first in charge of the side, in which Schofield and Director of Football John Deehan guided Lincoln into the play-offs.
The Lincoln board issued the following statement:
Following a meeting of the Board to review the recent poor run of results, it was agreed that both John Schofield and John Deehan would relinquish their duties with Lincoln City Football Club with immediate effect. Both have worked tirelessly to bring playing success to the Club and it is with regret of all parties that this has not resulted in better results. Because of this, the Board have decided that it is best to make changes now whilst there is time to turn the season around. The Board are most grateful for the efforts of John Schofield and John Deehan on behalf of the Club, and wish them both well in their future careers.
Youth Team Coach Grant Brown will take temporary charge leading up to Saturday's game against Peterborough United and will maintain that role until such time as a replacement for John Schofield is found.
October 16, 2007
Team of the week
Two Doncaster Rovers players have been named in the League One "Team of the week" following Sunday's victory over Huddersfield Town. Midfielders Richie Wellens and Brian Stock were named in the side, which also featured former Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Jan Budtz, who has impressed so far in goal for Hartlepool United.
The full team is: Jan Budtz (Hartlepool), Luke Chambers (Nottm Forest), Tommy Elphick (Brighton), Tamika Mkandawire (Leyton Orient), Stephen Hammell (Southend), Brian Stock (Doncaster), Richard Wellens (Doncaster), Kris Commons (Nottm Forest), Sebastien Carole (Leeds), Warren Feeney (Swansea), Lloyd Owusu (Yeovil).